1

Kitchen Cook Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

West Hartford, CT

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

If you have experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or Senior Living Cook and enjoy preparing great food in a welcoming environment, we want to meet ...

Line Cook

Marlborough, CT · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

DESCRIPTION The Marlborough Tavern is looking for an experienced cook in our kitchen, following our Executive Chef's recipes and execution of the set menu. Competitive pay offered starting at $20 per ...

The Marlborough Tavern is looking for an experienced cook in our kitchen, following our Executive Chef's recipes and execution of the set menu. Competitive pay offered starting at $20 per hour with ...

Cook - Kitchen Admin

Uncasville, CT · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

The Cook sets up the cooking line and prepares food for service in designated stations to fill ... Basic knife skills and the knowledge of safe and efficient operation of kitchen equipment Training ...

The Social Bar & Kitchen, located in the heart of New London, CT, is looking for a talented Line Cook to join our culinary team. If you have at least one year of experience and love creating ...

Experienced Line Cook

West Haven, CT · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Maintain cleanliness and food safety standards in all kitchen areas * Work collaboratively with a team that values hustle and quality Who You Are * 2+ years of kitchen experience as a line cook

Lead Production Cook

West Haven, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This is a production kitchen role with real responsibility. You'll execute recipes at scale, keep ... High-skill cooking without the chaos of restaurant service * Real path to more hours and ...

Directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food purchasing, preparation and ... of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control and sanitation and ...

Directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food purchasing, preparation and ... of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control and sanitation and ...

Directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food purchasing, preparation and ... of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control and sanitation and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kitchen Cook information

See Connecticut salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do kitchen cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen cook in Connecticut is $15.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a kitchen cook do?

A kitchen cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food according to recipes and restaurant standards. They handle various tasks such as chopping ingredients, monitoring food safety, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring meals are served on time. Kitchen cooks may also assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new staff. Their role is essential to creating a positive dining experience for customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen cook?

To thrive as a Kitchen Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or culinary training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, POS systems, and food handling certifications (such as ServSafe) is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this position. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth service in a fast-paced environment.

What are some typical challenges kitchen cooks face during busy service hours, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen cooks often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, which can lead to stress and a fast-paced work environment. Managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with team members, and the ability to prioritize tasks quickly. Many kitchens rely on 'mise en place' (everything in its place) to ensure ingredients and tools are ready before service begins, helping cooks stay efficient and focused. Developing these habits not only improves performance but also builds resilience and teamwork in a professional kitchen.

What is the difference between Kitchen Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen, various stations, prep and cooking areasKitchen, specific station, fast-paced cooking line
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & ComparisonKitchen Cook vs Line Cook

Both Kitchen Cooks and Line Cooks work in similar culinary environments, often sharing credentials and industry settings. The main difference is that Kitchen Cooks may have broader responsibilities, including prep work and overseeing multiple stations, while Line Cooks focus specifically on preparing dishes at a designated station during service. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the culinary industry.

Infographic showing various Kitchen Cook job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,716 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Lead Cook

Aviva West Hartford

West Hartford, CT

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

COOK - SENIOR LIVING

Aviva Senior Living is hiring a Cook to join our Dining Services team! If you have experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or Senior Living Cook and enjoy preparing great food in a welcoming environment, we want to meet you.

At Aviva Senior Living, dining is one of the highlights of our residents' day. Our Cooks play an important role in creating an exceptional dining experience by preparing fresh, delicious meals while providing friendly, dependable service to our residents.

Our senior living communities offer resort-style amenities, engaging social activities, and high-quality dining for residents in independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

If you are passionate about cooking, food preparation, hospitality, and serving seniors, this is an opportunity to put your culinary skills to work while making a difference every day.

SHIFT DETAILS

We are currently hiring a Cook to support various shifts in our community's kitchen and dining operation.

This position reports to the Dining Services Director. Depending on experience, the Cook may also assist with coordinating kitchen responsibilities and overseeing departmental work when the Dining Services Director is unavailable.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to planned menus and recipes.

  • Prepare high-quality meals in a senior living dining environment.

  • Prepare meals for residents with special diets and dietary requirements.

  • Perform food preparation and prep work for upcoming meals, special events, and dining services.

  • Ensure meals are prepared, plated, and presented in an attractive and consistent manner.

  • Follow proper food handling, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.

  • Monitor food temperatures for hot and cold foods to ensure safe food service.

  • Properly store, label, date, and rotate food according to food safety standards.

  • Maintain clean and organized refrigerators, freezers, food storage areas, and kitchen workstations.

  • Assist with food inventory, deliveries, and tracking food usage.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

  • Follow proper procedures when using cleaning products and other potentially hazardous materials.

  • Provide excellent customer service to residents, families, guests, and team members.

  • Build positive relationships with residents and contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.

  • Communicate effectively with other cooks, kitchen staff, servers, dining associates, and community leadership.

  • Assist the Dining Services Director and culinary team with additional kitchen and dining responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.

  • 1-2 years of cooking, kitchen, restaurant, food service, or culinary experience preferred.

  • Experience as a Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Cook, Restaurant Cook, Dietary Cook, or similar food service position preferred.

  • Senior living, assisted living, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, or commercial kitchen experience is a plus.

  • ServSafe certification preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain certification.

  • Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage procedures.

  • Ability to follow recipes, menus, dietary requirements, and written instructions.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Dependable and team-oriented.

  • Ability to interact with seniors in a courteous, friendly, and respectful manner.

  • Ability to safely prepare and handle food in accordance with company policies and applicable state and federal requirements.

WHY WORK AT AVIVA SENIOR LIVING?

Working in a senior living kitchen offers something different from many traditional restaurant Cook positions. You will have the opportunity to get to know the people you are cooking for and see firsthand how great food contributes to their quality of life.

You will join a team focused on creating an exceptional dining experience while working in a professional, resident-centered environment.

BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

  • Medical and prescription insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Paid time off accrued up to 15 days per year

  • Paid holidays

  • Employee Referral Program

  • Company-paid life insurance

  • Pet insurance available

  • Company-matching 401(k)

  • Daily pay / available pay advance

APPLY TODAY

If you are searching for a Cook job where your work matters, join the Aviva Senior Living team.

Bring your experience in cooking, meal preparation, food service, kitchen operations, or restaurant dining to a community where great meals and great service make a difference in our residents' lives every day.

Apply today to join Aviva Senior Living as a Cook!

Aviva Senior Living has achieved designation as a Great Place to Work and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.

The final pay offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors, which may include relevant experience, industry experience, education, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.